Welcome to the 2nd generation Suzuki Hayabusa vs the Kawasaki ZX-14
(ZZR 1400) comparisons specifications and performance! The ZX-14 or ZZR 1400 was released in 2006 after the
demise of the ZX-12R.

This page is a comparison of key
specifications and some personal commentary between the original BMW K1200RS and the 1999 (1st Generation) Hayabusa. The charts below only lists the major points of comparison. It has been over 10 years since these original models where released as I write
this article in 2010.

The K1200RS was one the first
modern BMWs sports
tourers designed to compete with the original Kawasaki ZZ1100 or ZX-11 and of course the
Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. I previously knew 2 owners of the big K and
honestly both no longer have them due to high maintenance and parts costs and reliability.
However like Suzuki they did not do any significant updates to the basic model
during its very long production cycle (1997-2007).

I do think the K1200 was a lovely
motorcycle when new. I looked good and stood out from the rest by being a
modern and equipped with quality parts. With great comfort and the ability to
attached ALL forms of luggage systems made them a great tourer. Unfortunately
the model was never that popular because the RT series in particular BMW (which
I almost bought) and even the Honda Blackbird were better packages. I love the
RT even if it is a BMW :-) The 1200RS was priced over $23,000 when
introduced which didn't help sales figures. At least you got a lot of
motorcycle
for the money!

To most experienced
motorcyclists BMWs are still considered makers of nice touring motorcycles but over priced - certainly it not prestige like almost all Ducati's
or even Harley Davidson. You can argue exclusivity through small numbers or the
positioning and quality of their cars but you'd be wrong. It's their product
placement on TV that has got you. Likewise their motorcycles aren't any better
than any other brand. Sure you can impress your non-motorcyclist friends but
that's just silly!